Cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as teeth whitening, veneers, or composite bonding London, can greatly enhance the appearance of your smile. However, it is important to take certain precautions to maintain good oral health and the appearance of your newly-restored teeth. One of the most critical steps you can take is to avoid certain foods after a treatment.
Why Is It Necessary to Make Changes to One’s Dietary Habits?
There are certain foods and drinks that you should not consume after a dentistry treatment as they contain chromogens, compounds that can stick to your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth with stains over the course of time.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruit juices- to name a few.
Biting into hard or crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, or ice can cause chips or fractures in your new teeth. This can not only undermine the aesthetic benefits of your cosmetic treatment, but it can also be uncomfortable and painful. It is, therefore, best to avoid foods that can damage your teeth.
Sensitivity is also a concern, especially with teeth whitening or bonding. Your teeth may be sensitive for a few days after the procedure. Hot or cold foods and drinks can trigger sensitivity. It is a good idea to stick to room temperature options for the first few days after your treatment.
By avoiding foods that can stain, damage, or cause sensitivity to your teeth, you can help ensure that your investment lasts for years to come.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After a Dental Procedure
- Dark-coloured beverages:
Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your newly whitened teeth, undoing the effects of your cosmetic dentistry treatment. It is best to avoid these drinks for at least a week after the procedure. If you cannot live without your morning cup of joe, try sipping it through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Studies revealed that beverages with dark pigments can cause tooth discolouration. The colour compounds, called chromogens, attach to the enamel of your teeth and cause staining. Moreover, acidic drinks can erode the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining.
- Acidic foods and drinks:
Acidic foods like citrus fruits and drinks like soda can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to staining and damage. Avoid acidic foods and drinks for at least 24 hours after your cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Acidic foods can lower the pH in your mouth, which makes them more acidic. A low pH can weaken the enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Moreover, the acids in acidic drinks can soften the enamel, making it more vulnerable to mechanical damage from brushing or grinding.
- Hard and crunchy foods:
While veneers and dental bonding can be incredibly strong, they are not indestructible. Avoid biting into crunchy foods like ice, nuts, and popcorn for at least a week after your procedure. If you must eat these foods, try chopping them into smaller pieces or using the side of your mouth to chew.
Hard foods can cause chips or fractures in the bonding (meaning the composite bonding cost London you paid was in vain). Moreover, biting into hard foods with front teeth can put too much pressure on them, causing them to shift or move. A misaligned tooth can create gaps or expose the root of the tooth, which can lead to sensitivity or decay.
- Sugary foods and drinks:
Sugary items like candy and soda can contribute to tooth decay, undermining the benefits of your cosmetic dentistry treatment. Limit your intake of sugary treats and opt for healthier options like fruit or sugar-free gum.
Sugar can feed the bacteria in your mouth, which produce acid that can damage the enamel and cause cavities. Moreover, sugary drinks can coat the teeth and create a breeding ground for bacteria. The longer the sugar stays in your mouth, the higher the risk of tooth decay.
- Hot & cold foods and beverages:
Your teeth may be sensitive after a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks for the first few days. If you must eat or drink something hot or cold, try to let it cool down or warm up to room temperature first.
According to a study, teeth can be sensitive after dental treatments that involve bonding or whitening. The sensitivity can be caused by the inflammation of the pulp or the exposure of the dentin. Hot or cold foods and drinks can trigger sensitivity, causing discomfort.
To Conclude
Taking care of your new smile after cosmetic dentistry treatment is crucial for maintaining its longevity, appearance, and oral health. Avoiding foods and drinks that are harmful to your newly restored teeth, practising good oral hygiene, and taking other precautions can help ensure that your new smile lasts for years to come.
If you are looking for affordable and transformative cosmetic dentistry services, Chatfield Dental Braces is your best bet. With a range of cosmetic dentistry services, they can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Contact them today to start your journey towards a brighter, more confident smile.
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